THE first support centre for people in Bicester who are fighting cancer has opened its doors.

Just six months ago Mechelle Harris and Rebecca Fletcher had a shared vision to create the Hummingbird Centre, a haven where people with cancer can get therapy treatments, advice, counselling or just talk to someone who has been through it.

The ribbon was cut to officially launch it last month, and four days later the Hummingbird welcomed its first patients. Previously people from the area had to travel to Banbury or Oxford for support.

Now the pair have the task of raising the £1,000 a month needed to run the centre, in Station Road, Launton, near Bicester, on Tuesdays and Fridays. People can access its services via their GP surgery reception.

Mrs Harris and Mrs Fletcher have personally funded the first three months, but want people to get behind them to fund its future.

Mrs Harris said: “Everything in the centre has been, more or less, donated by the people of Bicester.

“It has been amazing how people got behind us and donations are starting to come in.”

She said that after initial publicity in the Oxford Mail, people stopped her in the street to offer support, adding: “Everyone said it was long overdue for Bicester and two days is not enough. Going forward I’m sure it’s going to be a massive success.”